Loved it, then had to switch to the m-16. I was not able to test or use the iron sights with it, as the red dot obstructs the view. Felt recoil was stiff but manageable. I also want to find a folding stock to make it even more compact and see just how small I can get it. Whereas an AR platform is going to recoil directly back into the buffer tube, the M1A essentially uses your dominant hand as an anchor point for the muzzle when it climbs upwards. I'll give it that inserting a magazine requires a little practice. He references head position. Im not going to recite everything Duckford said but, the dude is on the mark The USMC shot 500 yd targets with iron sights. The barrel also comes from the Springfield factory with a muzzle brake that controls muzzle rise effectively by sending most of the gas and blast upwards. I can't really pinpoint why we would have such differences in experience except to say that sometimes you just get used to a certain platform. I believe you approached the test with bias against the rifle and then set about to prove the bias. Cheers. I will say if you didn't loctite the mount for the optics they do have a tendency to work loose. Sorry, no products match that criteria. They also sent the targets they used and were signed by the repair technician. I am eager to see what kind of groups I can get with that and at what distance. The XD set the new industry standard for comfort, ease of operation, features and performance. The fact its ambi is a plus too. We may never know. Its not the end of the world, and it does get easier over time as the mags get broken in. But with the M1A SOCOM 6 CQB, they are. Combining portability with superior ballistic performance. Proposition 65 also prohibits California businesses from knowingly discharging significant amounts of listed chemicals into sources of drinking water. Combined with the gentler shooting characteristics of the systems gas operation, the muzzle brake creates one of the softest-shooting rifles Ive shot in some time. My first real prolonged exposure to shooting was in the military, so I basically grew up on the AR platform. The M1A, obviously a civilian variant of the iconic M14, fits squarely in that niche you can check our full video over on our YouTube Channel! I think now what Im seeing is more like an average typical Springfield m1a. Some units still had access to M-14s and began using them on the battlefield. For the 2k I was into even tried gas system upgrade, the 2.5 moa I got was horrible. On a SOCOM 16 features a forward-mounted optic rail in the Effective maximum range is under 100 yards. I also had a lot of FTEs using Federal Match ammo. After a few mags, we decided to setup a shooting mat and rest to take some prone shots with an optic mounted to the SOC16s scout mount to see if the irons themselves were just inexplicably way off. We hands-on review two Springfield M1As with some quirks along the way. Nothing but problems; all encompassing what you guys experienced, and then the bolt froze into place, and I had to send it to them. Both Army and Navy latched onto those platforms big time, although you can still see pictures in the aughts of super high-speed dudes over in O.I.F. Rifle has a Burris 2x pistol scope . We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared The M14 I shot in service compared to the m1a I purchased are two totally different dogs but they both like 162 and 168 grain bullets. Firing the rifle off the bench was pleasant with all ammo, despite the additional blast of the muzzle brake and not having the assist of a cheek rest. This multi-function case features multiple pouches for range books, ammo, cleaning kits, spotting scope, and other gear. The civilian market in High-Power competition only saw M1A's on the firing line, standard or highly accurized, through the late 1990's. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure. As far as ammo selection, I fed mine everything from TULA to berdan-primed Malaysian military surplus, NATO mil spec. Adjustment graduations on the rear sight drum are 1 MOA for both windage and elevation. views and opinions of Springfield Armory. Even with no magnification, author shot groups of about two inches. There are a ton of aftermarket accessories available for the M1A, such as radically different chassis that update its design ergonomics to something that feels much more modern if you cant stand the old-school vibe. I bought a used but as new M1A national match. The 1X, non-magnifying optic has a dot size at a very useful 2 MOA, and battery life is an incredible 50,000 hours. Again, a bit of antiquated design here I dont particularly care for a safety mechanism that I have to get my finger near the trigger to operate, and the lever itself is quite stiff. Thanks for sharing, Anthony! Back in January, I did something I have wanted to do for a long time. Nothing to do with what wounds are caused at that range, the assumption is if For the record I own the 18 scout model, One more important thing about the m1a in my experience that does seem to get glazed over a bit in the review (which was great by the way, appreciate the honesty) is that the gun goes bang every time, which, again, is pretty cool. He resides in southeast Nebraska with his two children. And my Springfield M1A was their field grade Not match anything with a chrome lined barrel.. Also I am an old timer too. It ain't the best rifle, but it sure isn't outdated or the worst. At this point, we were pretty blown away. The iron sights consist of a winged XS Sight Systems .125" blade with a Trijicon tritium insert in front and a fully adjustable .135" ghost-ring aperture in back. Their customer service was excellent, but I still have my doubts about the rifle. The M1As 58 with Match barrels, excellent triggers and glass-bedded wood stocks. and measures 37.25 in overall length. Even the lightest .458 SOCOM round is more than three times heavier than the M855 round. What brand of brass and bullet do you prefer? Springfields lead tech also managed to shoot a 1.25 group with the national match using irons, so blaming the iron sights doesnt seem quite right either although I think its fair to assume a tech at springfield is likely a goddamn pro with the M1A. That being said seems like Springfield armory is the issue. I have a M1A National Match in 6.5 Creedmoor. TURN IN YOUR MAN CARD AND GET CUT!! My hand loads had the sierra 168 grain matchking with Varget and I could routinely shoot greater than 90% at 600 yards. This is one of the key reasons why the Army was unable to accurize these weapons effectively. And check out the Best .308 Ammo, Best AR-10s, and Best 7.6251 Battle Rifles. What made this one stand out was that you could tell that they didnt want to make a negative review of such an iconic gun. With good discipline they are the best irons ever put on a combat rifle, but sloppy cheek welds and head placement turn them into a nightmare. Anyways for every 1 good review I found 5 bad. Velocity is the average of five shots, measured by a Labradar chrono, programmed to measure velocity 15 feet from the muzzle. It was an amazing piece of machinery. The M14 socom has a shorter barrel than the standard M14 and thus has a shorter effective range of about 500 yards. Aimpoint T2 Micro; Trijicon RMR; wars in Iraq and Afghanistan opened a need for a military rifle that could engage targets at ranges far outside the M-16/M-4s maximum effective range. All rights reserved. I shot the rifle offhand at 100 yards on a B17 silhouette target, and follow-up shots with the rifle were fast and easy. Popular 9mm Ammo. I originally shot it using an ammo box with a piece of carpet for a front rest. If you can shoot this rifle, don't tell me you are getting .5moa with your 700 because you are not. The support straps can be placed where preferred in order to accommodate an attached optic while leaving plenty of free space for other aftermarket accessory pouches to be added. Some units still had access to M-14s and began using them on the battlefield. lighter than the target model. I made NRA highmaster class and distinguished with one. They were all accuracy problems, every stinking one. Again we totally accept that we are by no means amazing shooters, but this shouldnt be that hard. - YouTube 0:00 / 9:27 Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 Accuracy Test. More than likely shifting of head, where you sat your cheek, how you looked through the ring. Worse, if you hang your head way back on the stock instead of behind the sight directly when shooting on the bench at paper, don't be surprised when you aren't getting the best from the best iron sight system ever developed. WebIn my opinion, 200 yards is this rifle's practical hunting range. 460 meters/500 yards here. Thanks again. I liked the M-14 for it's accuracy and ease of disassembly for cleaning. I had both the Scout and the Socom 16, and I liked the Scout better, so I kept it. Was the M14 a failure? The Emissary bridges the best features of defensive and custom pistols. In our opinion the .458 SOCOM has several design and performance advantages over the.450 Bushmaster and the .500 Beowulf including improved functional reliability and the use of a standard AR magazine. Even with no magnification, author shot groups of about two inches. M1A SOCOM 16 Options Best Red Dot for M1A. .308 WIN MSRP $2,087 - $2,540 M1A Scout Squad Rifles Combining the legendary power and accuracy of the M1A with the quick handling and fast sight acquisition of a scout style rifle. WebThe SOCOM 16 put three shots into about two inches, with the other two shots opening the group up to about ten inches using the Hornady Steel Match ammo. But Springfield did respond to your inquiries. Dont tell me an M1A wont shoot. This feels a little bit odd to grade with a number value, as the rifles design is quite dated. Fast forward to range trip number 3, and close to 900 rounds of .308 later aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand we were finally able to get some usable numbers out of these guns! Make me chose between the M14 or any of the AR's. I was disappointed when I had to trade it in for an M-16. However, with brand new rifles it is hard to determine which is at fault and presuming SPGFLD was not "shining" you, I would highly recommend that you acquire some of the MK118 LR ammunition and give it another try.. Also I would definitely clean the barrels with a copper dissolving solvent (your choice). I bought a brand new, unused first run RRA .458 SOCOM upper for $600. The AR's charging handle is the most mis-placed of any in the firearms world. I really hope you guys keep making those in the format you used, it was perfect. Standard Pistol Calibers. I have a M1A Loaded that I bought used. Copyright 2023 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Couldn't pass it up at that price and .458 SOCOM is legal for Indiana deer so it was an easy decision. Springfield Armory recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a WebThe SOCOM 16 put three shots into about two inches, with the other two shots opening the group up to about ten inches using the Hornady Steel Match ammo. Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 1450 at Palmetto State Armory Prices accurate at time of writing View Details Palmetto State Armory (See Price) Sportsman's Warehouse (See Price) The boys on the range who all use huge scopes on bolt guns could not believe my consistencywith an old not match chrome lined barreled M1A. Admittedly, my first experiences shooting it were not great. In my opinion, if you want accuracy, stick with a bolt action rifle like a Remington 700 with a ported barrel. We still arent quite sure what to make of this entire experience, in all honesty. The National Match came in at 1.25 MOA with a Vortex 4-16x optic, and the SOC16 shot 2MOA with a Vortex 1-6 both at 100 yards. Our Custom 1911 pistolsmiths have over 200 combined years of experience and individually hand fit every major component of your firearm. Not sure why. Ive seen marine Corp team shooters shoot 3 groups at 300 yds with irons. To the readers it sounds like excuses. As for the rifles themselves they certainly have their niche. The SOC16 is obviously a bit more compact and includes a 16 barrel in a black polymer stock with the iconic SOC16 muzzle brake upfront. Have a friend that has a m1 garand in 3006 that does the same . First of all, the 1.25 MOA that was finally obtained is acceptable even for 400m antelope shots but the one single issue that seems to affect this rifle the most is ammo. ), so I was anxious to see how the SOCOM 16 CQB configuration compared. Re: AR15 16" maximum effective range A 16" AR can get you to 1K with a 1:8 or 1:7 twist barrel with the 75+ grain bullets (maybe 68 grain BTHP). Battle Proven. Springfield offered to send the guns back to us for another round of testing, and we accepted. From all of my reading and talking to various folks over the years, one of the primary requirements for the M-16 platform back in the early 60's was the ability to swap out parts between rifles. I felt I was able to get quick follow-up shots from a standing or benched position. As time moved on, the market became more and more interested in smaller, lighter and more compact firearms. But ammo choices didn't help the national match should have had 175g. I am going to test this theory again next week. But the SOCOM I can hit what i shoot at with iron sights, now I have a trick I do. The National Match didnt much like PRVI 145, but did okay with with PRVI 180, because literally nothing about any of this makes sense. Im not saying you dont know how to shoot, I am saying ARs are the most forgiving platform, having been designed by an aero space engineer and all, they have great ergonomics and manage more recoil themselves than any other system to date. I can run my M1A just as well as any AR pattern rifle. The rifle was shipped wearing the MultiCam stock, but another stock in Flat Dark Earth was included in the box. I had no problems consistently pinging my IDPA torsos at 200 and 300 yards. Your review was very accurate been there done that. I packed an m 14 for two years while stationed in Germany, and I was a combat medic. Their approach was bias. I have a vortex viper hst 6-24 mounted on mine and consistently hit 1000 yards (10 inch plate) I can easily put 4 rounds in under an inch at 100 yards and I am by no means an expert shot. They said it now shoots 3 MOA at 100 yards using my scope which was attached at the time of repair, which is their spec for the SOCOM. Here's the inside story of what they found and how they're rebuilding an industry giant. Since this rifle/scope combination is not designed for match shooting, I decided to use a Q target for 100 yards and a B17 silhouette for 300-yard duty. As great and functional as the iron sights are on the rifle, many shooters will want to install some type of optics. At the same time, there was also the desire to have the larger more effective 7.62 NATO round in a compact package. Let us know what you think of the M1A and how it went all wonky for us. John, We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. You could fully load an M-4 style rifle with 30 rounds, optic, sling, and laser and be close to that same weight. Try adjusting your selection. I shot the m-14 briefly in the Marines. Especially since it left their factory with defects. A solid truck gun, this compact rifle wont allow you to sacrifice power, so do the only reasonable thing Bring Enough Gun. The drawback to this is that the recoil can give you what is referred to as a " whores lip" just like the Garand, and the '03, some shooters can put ten rounds in the black at 500 yards, while others could go nonqual at 25yards. And just to let you know what she's capable of: when her barrel was new (about 1,400 rnds ago), I put 20 rnds of my match ammo through her from the bench and you could put a quarter over holes. For me, this is critical because I do not want a weapon that is ammo specific or picky as to what it reliably cycle.